1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 sets new auction record

A 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) has sold for US$315,187 (AU$415,000), some US$1600 (AU$2000) more the previous record.

The new record-setter was finished in "Midnight Purple II", and auctioned via US-based vehicle auction website Bring A Trailer.

Helping its value was its eligibility to be road registered in the United States of America, thanks to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s 'Show or Display' rules that allow it travel no more than "2500 miles per year" (4000km).

Only two types of Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R are able to be registered and used in the US under this ruling: any version finished in Midnight Purple II (of which there are 282 known examples), or any of the 285 known examples of the M-Spec Nür version.

The record-setting car was part of the former group, claimed to be in "original condition" with just 64,000 kilometres on the odometer.

Last October, a Japanese vehicle specialist listed a Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R for sale with an asking price of US$485,000, or AU$675,000. It appears that vehicle is still for sale.

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